Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Government Tower, Press Room- Breaking News

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Government Tower, Press Room- Breaking News

(snip)

Carsyn smiled and raised her hand yet again. “So you are saying that there will be closed door discussions, why is that? If as you claim the Vren are seeking the help of the citizens of Oed V, the Federation and Starfleet; shouldn’t the Vren be open to having open discussions, no ‘closed door’ discussions or is there more to this story? It seems to me that there is an attempt to hide a second agenda by both parties, and they are trying to exclude it from the people of Oed V, and pressure the government of Oed V into what ever agenda is being sought?” She knew she was pushing things a little to far, making a beef with nothing to support it, but she also wanted to see how well the governor and ambassador reacted under the pressure of the press and full on scrutiny; because she planned to dig deep into things on Oed V.

-Carsyn A. Kolchak, FNS Reporter

The reporter whose question had yet to be answered shot a dagger look at Kolchak and stayed standing, glaring at the new arrival. Hyrushi looked at Kolchak and nodded. “I can understand how someone with no experience in diplomatic matters could infer that, certainly.” the Governor said flatly. “I can also understand how responsible reporting of such an event would indicate the need for calm and reasoned inquiries and responses; and not any sort of wild speculation that could potentially cause harm to the process or jeopardize the safety of those involved. And that is exactly why some, but not all, of the discussions will be held in private… just like in any other diplomatic negotiation that has ever been done. And now if you will kindly allow for the previous question to be answered before you interrupted, we can certainly answer any further questions you may have when you are called upon.” Hyrushi looked at the previous reporter and said “Excellent question. The Vren have expressed a desire to meet with citizens of Oed, particularly those at the University and some of the civic leaders. We are making arraignments for those meetings as we speak. We are also vetting which media outlets will be granted interview time with the Vren Ambassador and some of the Vren delegation. I’m sure many of you will want to have the opportunity to sit down and speak face-to-face with them, but their time here is limited on this trip so we won’t be able to accommodate all of you at this time. But rest assured, we intend to get as many interviews as possible.”

Hyrushi, Governor

For her part, Jeanette was as unruffled as they came. “We are also discussing some sort of welcoming gala event and that would include others from around the colony as well, but what that exactly looks like we don’t know just yet. Details will be released closer to the time, but for obvious security reasons the guest list will be highly vetted.” Put a bunch of people in close proximity to various person in positions of power and authority and the security demands escalated quickly. And that wasn’t even including the Vren contingent.

She cast a subtle glance at Kenzo and then to the crowd. “We’ll take one more question.”

~Ambassador Mathis

Another citizen, an astronomer, raised his hand up. “I saw the video and how big those asteroids were, but our own Earth only receives 1% of the Suns light. How much does the planet of Vren have to have to keep it stable? To me, this sounds really made up. If the Vren want to be peaceful, then I am all for it, but they need to do a better job than shaking their butts to an interpative dance as an apology for massacring thousands of us!”

Concerned citizen.

Hyrushi looked at the man and said “Thousands? Hmm. I must have my history wrong, then. By all accounts, one attack resulted in the death of fourteen citizens and one Star Fleet Security officer… and possibly one other citizen in a shuttle. Proportionally, more Governors have been killed by the Vren than citizens, and I am not concerned. So before you try and belittle and minimize the efforts going on here, perhaps you should get your statistics in order. And yes, Terra only recives that much of it’s star’s light. But we aren’t discussing Terra. Or Q’onoS. Or any other planet save for the Vren’s. And as I have stated the Vren, in addition to their ritual of apology, have also presented us with the ability to accelerate our terraforming efforts exponentially with the gift they have presented us.”

Hyrushi looked at Mathis and then back at the assembled Oed citizens and reporters. “We thank you for your time today. If anyone has any further questions, please send them to the Colony’s Media Relations office. Thank you.” and he turned and escorted Mathis off the stage.

Hyrushi, Governor

Jeanette bowed her head and stepped back into the anteroom with Hyrushi.

“Well,” she said once they were alone. “About the mix of questions I assumed. Less outrage, though I think we can see some it simmer under the surface. We should be prepared for that to bubble up here and there as we proceed.”

~Ambassador Mathis

“Agreed.” Hyrushi said as they waited for the audience to clear the room and the all-clear from Security to move them out of the press room. He looked at Mathis and said “And we have some new roads to discuss with your Vren counterpart.” he added.

Hyrushi, Gov.

Mathis nodded. “I’ll set up a meeting with Ambassador Kek for tomorrow if that suits you. Delaying it much will only complicate arrangements. Besides, by then we’ll have a stronger sense of how the colony as a whole is taking the news and we can relay that to him.”

The flow of the presser led her to believe that this truly would be a long-term assignment and Jeanette had a myriad of thoughts move through her mind as she narrowed in on some of the more pressing ones. “I know we were expecting a bad situation on Tutsikara, but seeing it live…” She shook her head, deep sadness swirling around her. “I’ve worked in embassies for years, Governor. It’s become something of an expertise for me and it requires different approaches than singular diplomatic missions, a longer term vision. I know we got off to a bit of a rough start and we were both put in a less than ideal position, but know that I am here for Oed, and for the Vren. I truly believe we can make something positive out of all of this, regardless of what has happened in the past, and perhaps even because of it,” she said softly, feeling the truth of her own words in her body. It didn’t matter what others thought about her, Jeannette had long discovered what her purpose in this life was and Oed was another intriguing step along the journey.

~Ambassador Mathis

Hyrushi thought for a moment. “I am curious, Ambassador, if perhaps Ambassador Kek is in a similar situation? It is wholly unlike the Vren to ask for assistance, or even contact, other governments or species. And surely they knew about the event long before they contacted us. I wonder how many Vren are in favor of this outreach; and how many are like those here… stuck in the sins of the past?”

Hyrushi, Governor

She gazed at him deeply with all the experience of someone who had seen similar situations in the past. “Societal guilt can be a heavy burden to overcome and we both know that change can be painfully difficult sometimes. My instincts tell me that this generational divide is significant but can be overcome. That the collective will of the Vren is greater than their fear. But in saying that, the talks going forward need to be delicate. I think it would be wise of us to make sure that any interactions the Vren have with the colony aren’t taking advantage of their clear desperation. We know there will be some that try, but I do believe that that would destroy any good between everyone. They will have to be prepared for a mixed welcome, but I do think that if we lead by example for how these interactions should go, the people of Oed will mostly follow. Or am I reading their trust in the leadership too far?”

~Ambassador Mathis